Regardless of its Mediterranean origin, lemon balm is endowed with a robust winter hardiness. Nevertheless, you should pay attention to the following tips for professional overwintering in the bed and on the balcony.

Pruning recommended before winter

In late autumn, lemon balm begins to pull in its above-ground plant parts. This process manifests itself in withering leaves and flowers. The underground rhizome does not depend on the foliage for winter protection, so that it can be cut back close to the ground without any problems. This measure contributes to the neat appearance of the garden. In addition, you create the conditions for unhindered budding next year.

In this way, the root ball in the pot does not freeze through

While the rhizome in the ground is well protected from frosty temperatures, this advantage does not apply to lemon balm in the bucket. To ensure that the root ball does not freeze through and die during the winter, the following precautions are advisable:

  • Place lemon balm in the pot in front of the south wall of the house during the winter
  • place the planter on insulating wood or styrofoam panels
  • wrap with bubble wrap or thick fleece
  • cover the substrate with straw, leaves, brushwood or sawdust

If a frost-free winter quarters is available, lemon balm likes to use it. It can be dark here, because budding is undesirable during the cold season. If some shoots develop anyway, they are cut off in spring.

tips and tricks

In winter, lemon balm is threatened by drought stress much more frequently than in summer. If the cold season is characterized by deep frost, lots of sunshine and little snow, meteorologists speak of frost. Experienced hobby gardeners go out on frost-free days with a filled watering can to water the lemon balm in pots and beds.

Category:

Vegetable garden